The archeological zones of Campeche are the least known in the Peninsula. We will recommend some of these wonders to enjoy your trip through these Mayan lands.


The Yucatan Peninsula was part of the territory of the ancient Maya. Here part of the Mayan civilization developed, and today we can continue to enjoy and learn through the Mayan archeological sites.

Expect to surprise you with several archeological zones Campeche, there are some incredible candies in this state. No doubt Calakmul is the icon.

archeological zones of campeche

THE 5 CAMPECHE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONES I WOULD NOT MISS

Campeche has fewer paid archeological sites than its neighbors Yucatán and Quintana Roo. That is why you will not be disappointed, because here are some of the most incredible.

El INAH administers 9 archaeological zones of Campeche for payment: Calakmul, El Tigre, Balamkú, Chicanná, Xpuhil, Becán, Hochob, Edzná and Santa Rosa Xtampak. Other vestiges such as Chunhuhub, Hormiguero, Xcalumkín or Tabasqueño are enabled for tourists and have no cost.

It is something that happens in all states, there are many more free archaeological sites. He thinks there are thousands of ancient Mayan cities, so only the most notorious ones have enabled them for tourism.

1- CALAKMUL ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA

Calakmul is the most impressive archaeological site in the entire Peninsula, one of our must-sees on our trips. Its secluded location within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the most vibrant habitat of biodiversity we have, makes it even more impressive. The visit can take you a day if you want: read how to get to Calakmul to prepare well for your visit.

  • THE BEST: climb the highest Mayan temples and have the incredible views of the jungle. It is very likely that you will see monkeys and other animals in the enclosure.
  • THE WORST: that it closes at 5 in the afternoon and you have to leave?

How to get to Calakmul

calakmul_campeche

2- BECÁN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA

Becán impressed me the first time I visited her, and when I return she continues to penetrate my heart. It is large, it has colossal buildings to climb, stucco, stelae and dozens of details to entertain yourself. I have several left in Campeche to visit, until I do, Becán is on my list.

  • THE BEST: The venue offers a lot of variety, from climbing buildings and having views to incredible stucco details.
  • THE WORST: A criticism extended to all the Mayan enclosures, is that they lack information to cultivate the visitor in an educational and entertaining way.

How to get to Becán

archeological zones of campeche

3- ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA EDZNÁ

Edzná is another archaeological treasure to enjoy on the Peninsula. Being able to contemplate its main building and the square is worth a visit to this archaeological zone of Campeche. This city is colossal and beautiful, you will surely enjoy it.

THE BEST: Its five-story building is an architectural gem.

THE WORST: being close to San Francisco de Campeche it is quite visited, but nothing comparable to others such as Chichén, Tulum, Cobá or Uxmal.

How to get to Edzná

archeological zones campeche
Archaeological zone Edzna, Campeche

4- ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA SANTA ROSA XTAMPAK

Santa Rosa de Xtampak is my great slope along with other archaeological sites in Campeche that I really want to go to. Santa Rosa de Xtampak is not widely known, its location is somewhat far from the main points. I hope to enjoy this place soon, and I will think about the best and the worst.

5 archeological zones of Campeche that you should not miss 1
Santa Rosa Xtampak, Campeche

5- ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA BALAMKU

This small archaeological site preserves the best frieze that you have ever seen in an archaeological zone. The Balamkú frieze is an unmissable work of art. In Balamkú it is likely to see monkeys, you are in the high jungle of Campeche and it is an enjoyment.

  • THE BEST: the frieze without a doubt. Years ago you had to tell the entrance manager to open the door to the frieze for you. Today there is a permanent watchman.
  • THE WORST: the poor information that is in this and all the archaeological sites of the INAH.

How to get to Balamkú

archeological site campeche

Tips for visiting the archeological sites of Campeche:

HOURS AND SERVICES OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONES OF CAMPECHE: open from 8 to 5 in the afternoon. Many close the ticket offices at 4 in the afternoon. All have bathroom services, in the largest you find where to buy water and crafts at the entrance.


CAMPECHE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE TICKET PRICES: tickets range from 75 pesos to 95 pesos. The most expensive is Calakmul because you pay for access to the ejido, the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and the archaeological site. On Sundays, the INAH entrance is free for Mexicans and permanent residents with accreditation. Access to the archaeological sites is free every day for Mexicans • Over 60 years (with official identification) • Retirees and pensioners (with official institution credential) • Teachers and students (with official credential of the Mexican Educational System) • Children up to 12 years • Researchers and interns (with permission from INAH)


WHAT TO BRING TO VISITS TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAS OF CAMPECHE? Campeche is hot throughout the year, so we recommend the following: light and light clothing, a hat that covers your head and neck well, closed and comfortable shoes to climb structures and protect yourself from insect bites. Visits can last well over an hour and a half, hydrate continuously. Mosquito repellent and sun protection if you are not well covered with clothing.


Campeche is the state we know less, we owe ourselves a break to explore the area with tranquility. This trip never ends.

«The end of a trip is just the beginning of another. You have to start traveling again. Always.»

José Saramago on a trip to Portugal.

Good way,

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Sandra Salvadó Training photographer, traveler by vocation and certified tourism guide by the Government of Mexico. We promote natural wonders and contemporary Mayan culture. Great fan of pre-Hispanic history. Author of the blog and co-founder of The Shortest Path Travel, agency that guides you through alternative paths in Mayan lands. Social and sustainable tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas.
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